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Emergency Vehicle Accident Claims: What You Need To Know
If you have an accident with an emergency vehicle like a fire engine, police car or ambulance van, and it wasn’t your fault, you could claim compensation for any injuries. Even if the emergency vehicle had its lights flashing and sirens on, you could still claim the other driver. Our expert solicitors can help you with this process. They’ll review your case and give you free advice on your options. If you want to start your accident claim immediately, just call us.
Table Of Contents
- Am I Eligible To Claim Compensation
- Does The Law Protect Drivers Of Emergency Vehicles?
- Do Motorists Need To Take Action?
- Evidence To Support An Emergency Vehicle Accident Claim
- Common Injuries in Road Traffic Accidents
- Compensation For An Accident By An Emergency Vehicle
- The Timeframes For Filing Accident Claims
- How Can Solicitors Help With Emergency Vehicle Accident Claims
- FAQs
Am I Eligible To Claim Compensation
Are you curious whether you can seek compensation following an accident with an emergency vehicle? Vehicles like police or ambulance cars and fire engines must consider the safety of other road users and pedestrians while responding to an emergency call.
They still have to consider the safety of other road users and pedestrians. To be eligible for an ambulance, fire engine, or police car accident insurance claim, you will have to prove that the accident was because of the other driver’s negligence.
As a result, you had an injury. In other words, you will be required to provide proof indicating the individual or party accountable for the incident, how it occurred, and the extent of the harm you sustained.
Does The Law Protect Drivers Of Emergency Vehicles?
If you’ve ever wondered whether drivers of emergency services vehicles like police cars, ambulances, and fire engines are protected by the law, the answer is no. Just like any other driver on the road, they must follow the same road rules.
If they’re involved in an accident, they could still be found liable even if they drive in an emergency. This also applies to coastguards and lifeboat crews. The driver of an emergency vehicle must stop at red lights and should not over speed when driving without sirens or flashing lights. In emergencies, they can break those rules, but only in a way that doesn’t endanger other road users.
If a driver of an emergency vehicle like an ambulance van or fire engine is responsible for an accident due to dangerous, negligent, or reckless driving, individuals who have sustained injuries have the right to seek compensation.
Do Motorists Need To Take Action?
When you’re driving and see an emergency services vehicle with its lights flashing, it’s essential to take action. If it’s safe, you should try to move out of its way. You may need to take evasive measures such as moving to the side of the road or switching lanes. In case you fail to do so and an accident transpires, you could be held partly accountable for the incident.
This could affect the compensation you receive if you make a claim, known as contributory negligence. It’s also important to note that deliberately obstructing the emergency services is against the law and could lead to prosecution under The Emergency Workers (Obstruction) Act. If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible to seek damages after an accident with an emergency vehicle, please call one of our advisors, who can help.
Evidence To Support An Accident Claim
If you’ve got an accident with an emergency vehicle, there are several pieces of evidence that you could use to defend your compensation claim. Some evidence might be available at the time of the accident, while others may need to be requested later. Here are some pieces of evidence that could help:
- Dashcam footage: Many emergency vehicles have dashcams. If your accident is captured on camera, you can request a copy.
- Witness details: If it’s unclear who was responsible for your accident, witnesses can be contacted for a statement.
- Other driver’s details: Take as many details as possible from the other vehicle’s driver. This includes their badge number, name, contact number, insurance details, and vehicle registration number.
- Photos: Take pictures of the accident scene before anything has been moved. These photos can help to demonstrate the severity of the accident.
- Medical records: Getting appropriate treatment for any injuries is essential. After treatment, you can ask for a copy of your medical records. These can be the evidence to prove the severity of your injuries.
Once you have gathered as much evidence as possible, you can call our team. We’ll review your case and explain your options for free.
Common Injuries In Road Traffic Accidents
Road traffic accidents can result in many injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to more severe and life-changing injuries. Here are some injuries that might be claimed after an accident:
- The sudden jolting of the head and neck causes whiplash.
- Fractured vertebrae, which can occur if the spine is compressed or twisted in a collision.
- Damage to the spleen, which can result from blunt trauma to the abdomen.
- Cuts and lacerations from broken glass or debris.
- Catastrophic injuries, which can include paralysis or brain damage.
- Broken bones and fractures, which can happen in any part of the body.
- Brain damage, which can result from a blow to the head or a sudden jolt.
- Spine injuries, which can lead to long-term pain and disability.
- Nose injuries, which can result from hitting the steering wheel or dashboard.
It can still be challenging to determine the worth of your claim. Thus it is advisable to consult with one of our advisors for assistance.
Compensation For An Accident By An Emergency Vehicle
If you’ve been hit by an emergency vehicle, you could be eligible for compensation. The compensation will depend on several factors. These include the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life. Here’s what you need to know:
General damages: This covers the physical and emotional pain and suffering you’ve experienced due to the accident. It also includes any loss of enjoyment or activities you can no longer do.
Special damages: This covers any financial losses you’ve incurred due to the accident. For example, you might have had to pay for medical treatment or take time off work. You could claim back these costs as part of your compensation.
You may require a medical assessment as part of your compensation claim. This will help determine the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life.
The Timeframes For Filing Accident Claims
Suppose you have been involved in an accident with an emergency services vehicle. In that case, it’s important to note that you generally have three years to claim compensation from the accident date or from when your injury was diagnosed. However, the time limit differs if the injured person is a child.
In this scenario, a parent or legal guardian has the authority to file a claim on behalf of the child at any point before the child reaches the age of 18. If no claim has been made, the child will have three years to claim once they turn 18. Start your claim as soon as possible, as this will give your solicitor enough time to gather evidence to support your case. In case of admission of liability, they can request payment for private medical care.
How Solicitors Can Help With Emergency Vehicle Accident Claims
Working with a personal injury solicitor is a good idea if you’ve been involved in an emergency vehicle accident and think you have a valid compensation claim. They can help you make a strong case and maximise the compensation you deserve.
A solicitor can help you in:
Understanding your injuries: Your solicitor will take the time to know what you have suffered and how your injuries have impacted your life.
Gathering evidence: They will collect all the evidence needed to support your case, including witness statements, photographs of the scene, and any medical reports.
Communicating with the defendant: Your solicitor will handle all communication, negotiating for a fair settlement amount.
Providing regular updates: They will keep you informed throughout the process, providing regular updates on the progress of your case.
Negotiating a settlement: Before accepting any settlement offer, your solicitor will review it with you to make sure that it is a fair amount. If it’s not, they will negotiate for more on your behalf.
Working with a personal injury solicitor can significantly improve your chances of a successful claim and ensure you are compensated for your injuries.
At Index Claims, we provide No Win, No Fee services for emergency vehicle accident claims. Our experienced solicitors will guide you through the process to ensure fair compensation. Contact us for a free consultation.
FAQs
In that case, seek medical attention if necessary, call the police and report the accident, and get the contact and insurance information of the other parties involved.
Determining who is responsible for an emergency vehicle accident can be complicated. Still, it often involves examining the actions of the driver of the emergency vehicle and whether they were following proper protocols.
It’s often a good idea to consult a lawyer if you’re considering filing an emergency vehicle accident claim. A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options and navigate the complex legal process.
The compensation you get for an emergency vehicle accident claim can vary depending on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your damages, and other factors. A solicitor can help you understand what types of compensation you may be eligible for.
